Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala combine brilliantly to down Udinese

After netting match-winners against Lazio and Tottenham, Paulo Dybala bagged another pair of important goals to help Juventus defeat Udinese.

After netting match-winners against Lazio and Tottenham, Paulo Dybala bagged another pair of important goals to help Juventus defeat Udinese.

Juventus followed up their midweek Champions League win over Tottenham with an 11th straight victory in Serie A, courtesy of a brace from Paulo Dybala.

Check out all the best moments from Serie A’s top sides, as Paulo Dybala and Juventus return to the summit following their win over Udinese.

With Juventus now ahead of Napoli in Serie A, Gab Marcotti examines whether the Partenopei are still capable of ending Juve’s six-year run as champions.

Juventus didn’t need to play their best to beat Udinese 2-0 at home and to climb to the top of the Serie A table.

Udinese started the game by attacking and hoping to take advantage of a tried Juve side. However, game management has proven to be the Bianconeri’s secret weapon. By containing their opponents well, Juve showed quality in spurts before taking control of the match and gaining a mental and physical advantage. Udinese seemed to accept defeat earlier than they should have, struggled to impose themselves, and allowed Juve to walk away with another three points.

Positives

The understanding between Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala is proving magical as their combination made the difference against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week and again today against Udinese. Working hard and acting like a complete striker to unleash Dybala, Higuain is proving himself vital for Juve’s attacking play while La Joya is back to his visionary and clinical best.

Negatives

Another missed penalty for Higuain. Between him and Dybala, Juventus struggled to make the difference from the spot and it’s time to hand those opportunities to a more clinical player who can withstand the pressure of the moment.

Manager rating out of 10

6 — Massimiliano Allegri’s side continue to churn out the necessary results as all their opponents and rivals fall away. Capable of handling the pressure and an extraordinarily emotional week, his squad know how to give just enough to collect all three points.

Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK, Wojciech Szczesny, 6 — Alert and ready when it came to rescuing Juve in the early stages from Ali Adnan’s wicked shot. Rarely troubled thereafter.

DF Mattia De Sciglio, 7 — Excellent on Sunday despite being visibly emotional at the start of the game. His dribbles, his passing, his offensive pushes all show that the player is proving valuable for the team. Defensively excellent.

DF Daniele Rugani, 6 — Attentive and reliable at the back. Suffered in a physical sense but showed character.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 6 — Always susceptible to a maddening act of aggression that resulted in an early yellow card but proved authoritative and capable thereafter.

DF Kwadwo Asamoah, 6 — Struggled at times to contain Silvan Widmer but proved capable in both phases of the game. His control of the ball could be better, but he is showing more courage in his game and proving important to the balance of the side.

MF Sami Khedira, 6 — Khedira is most effective when allowed all the time and space in the world.

MF Claudio Marchisio, 7 — He many not possess Miralem Pjanic’s ingenuity on the ball but he certainly boasts accuracy. Didn’t miss a single long ball and showed precision in possession. Intelligent with his use of the ball but, then again, he wasn’t truly challenged the way his Bosnian teammate has been.

MF Stefano Sturaro, 6 — His accuracy on the ball certainly needs a little help but he does try to utilise his strengths well.

Juventus did just enough to beat Udinese and earn all three points.

FW Douglas Costa, 7 — When he has the ball, he lights up the pitch with his pace, dribbles and accelerations. Still needs to make his mind up on what he wants to do quicker. He continues to be a handful to deal with and a threat.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 7 — The manner in which he has developed into a complete striker is worthy of a thousand compliments. Knowing how to hold up the ball, how to keep defenders at bay and how to create space and opportunities for his teammates makes him invaluable. If only he could convert penalties.

FW Paulo Dybala, 8 — How much we have missed seeing a performance worthy of Dybala’s real talent. Putting on a real show, he scored a fine free kick, won Higuain’s missed penalty, scored the second and nearly managed one more. Extraordinary on the day with his ingenuity and efficiency. Welcome back.

Substitutes

MF Blaise Matuidi, 6 — Came on to provide his usual energy in midfield and help keep control of the game.

FW Mario Mandzukic, N/A — Didn’t have a chance to make an impact in a game that was already won.

MF Rodrigo Bentancur, N/A — Came on for only a few minutes.

Mina Rzouki covers Juventus and the Italian national team for ESPN FC. Follow her on Twitter: @Minarzouki.